The Guggenheim is a popular museum for fans of modern art and architecture visiting New York City. The Frank Lloyd Wright building that houses the Guggenheim Museum is probably the most famous aspect of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, but visitors also enjoy the ever-changing array of exhibitions that are housed in the unique building.
1. Know What You'll See When You Visit the Guggenheim Museum
Photograph by David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.
While the Guggenheim Museum has an extensive permanent collection, most of the museum's viewable artwork at any time is from the current exhibitions.
2. Avoid The Crowds at the Guggenheim
With many New York City museums closed on Mondays, the Guggenheim is particularly crowded on Mondays. If Monday is the best day for you to visit with your schedule, plan to arrive early (as close to 10 a.m. as possible) and you can enjoy the Guggenheim's exhibits and collections before the crowds take over. With "Pay What You Wish Admission" Saturday evenings are also pretty busy, so plan to finish up before the 5:45 p.m. start of discounted admissions if you want to experience the Guggenheim in relative peace.3. Save on Admission to the Guggenheim With NYC Museum Passes/Coupons
Check out these options for saving on admission:- Guggenheim admission is included with the New York Pass.
- Guggenheim admission is included with the New York CityPass.
- The Entertainment Book contains a buy one, get one free admission coupon good Monday - Wednesday.
4. Take a Free Tour of the Guggenheim Museum
Tours are included with the cost of admission to the Guggenheim, so take advantage of them. Self-guided audio tours can be picked up in the lobby and used as you explore the Guggenheim Museum on your own. Daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there are free Gallery Talks that take groups through the highlights of the Guggenheim's permanent collection as well as current exhibitions. On Fridays at 2 p.m. curators lead tours of current exhibitions.5. Start at the Top
Photo by David M. Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York
When you visit the Guggenheim Museum, one of the best ways to methodically work your way through the museum is to take the elevator up to the top floor and work your way down the spiral interior while you explore the various exhibitions and galleries along the way. This way, you'll quickly escape the crowds hanging out in the lobby and have gravity working with you as you experience the museum's extensive exhibits and permanent collection.
6. Creature Comforts and Time Savers
Take advantage of the Guggenheim Museum's coatroom to rid yourself of any coats, umbrellas and bags that might be bogging you down once you enter the museum (you'll need to buy your ticket first, because they'll want to see it when you check your items). The coatroom also has wheelchairs available for visitors who might need them, as well as baby carriers for those visiting with small children.The restrooms located off the main lobby tend to be very crowded, but there are unisex restrooms located throughout the museum, so head upstairs to avoid waiting on a long line to use the facilities.
